Sunday 12th December - arrived in Auckland at 1.00pm and had Nise, Poppa, Aunty Raewyn, Tracy, Sienna, Scott and Gareth waiting for us. Nise had to sign the paperwork for the hostess to hand the kiddos over to her care.
We then went to John and Dawn's for food and drinks. Their house was beautifully decorated for xmas and the Elves under the xmas tree had 2 sticker books for the kiddos.
We left and the kiddos were asleep before we hit the motorway heading south to Te Aroha. We arrived at the Resthome where Great Grandma lives but Zian could not wake up and continued to sleep. Great Grandma let Tierlina choose 2 knitted toys she had made - a horse and a bird.
Tierlina soon fell asleep again but Z'Arn wanted to see the lights of Napier and enjoyed looking at the green paddocks, cows, hay bales, forests and sky but succumbed to sleep 20 minutes out from Napier.
Once home it was poached eggs and shower and into bed for everyone as it was nearly the next day.
Apologies for not getting in touch when the kiddos arrived - a lot going on all at once and then did the driving from Auckland to Te Aroha.
Monday 13th December - Both kiddos outside playing golf - have all the lingo - water hazards, out of bounds, irons, tee shots, not on the green yet etc. - all from Wii sport they tell me. Ted is out there now giving lessons on how to hold the club.
Both slept well - Z'Arn woke up at 10.45 and Tierlina 11.45.
Ted took Z'Arn for a haircut but not open on a Monday - wants a cut in between what he has now and what Ted has!!
Z'Arn has a dreadful cough and green nose - will take him down to see Bruce Lepper at Greenmeadows chemist. I bought Robitussin Cough mixture - Bruce lepper's daughter served me.
Have just asked the kiddos if they have a message for you - sorry it is no thanks.
Have been to the supermarket - you will be pleased when I said do you want any chips - no they are not healthy!!
We have our own lettuce and picked 3 strawberries today (got them before the birds) so tonight we are having chicken and salad - lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, avocado, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and for dessert strawberries, pineapple, grapes and banana - they did buy hokey pokey ice-cream so a little of that also.
The only other treat is the advent calender that marks off the days until Christmas - behind each day is a very small chocolate - we all get to do a day so will only be 1 day in 4 for a treat.
Breakfast was toast with jam or honey - Lunch was ham sandwiches and fruit - Dinner was chicken, chips and salad with fruit and ice-cream for dessert.
Tierlina has drawn a beautiful picture.
Said to the kiddos I will ask my friend if he will take us out on his yacht - I get sea sick said Z'Arn. Shall we go tramping nooooo said Z'Arn. Would you like to stay in a bush hut in sleeping bags for the night - nooooo said Z'Arn - full of adventure isn't he.
We had a treasure hunt for things today to play with - golf, cricket and badminton set, sticker book, junior monopoly, junior scrabble, books for writing in and coloured pens - all things they can use now and will be here for next time.
Tuesday 14th December Today both kiddos washed the Bluebird as it was covered in dead bugs from our Auckland travel. They then watered the gardens and played more golf before heading into town to meet Robyn (Denise works with her) for a sushi lunch. Everyone got to choose their own flavours.
We then went to the Warehouse for a sticker book for Grandma - she liked Tierlina's so now she has a Dinosaur one of her own. We also went to the Bead shop where Tierlina is going to make some bracelets and called at the chemist for lip salve for Z'Arn's lips and also sun block. Both kiddos have been told of the importance of block and sun hats.
Kristi, Caleb and Marshall came around after school - we had a thunder storm but when it stopped raining it was outside - the kiddos saw a frog in the fish pond. Marshall was throwing stones into the pond so had to put a stop to that.
Dinner was chicken again and potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and peas. Ted gave them some ice-cream with heated fruit cake - were not to sure of these flavours. Denise went to her bowling competition and came home with 6 tins of Tui beer.
Wednesday 15th December Today was a day with poppa as Denise had to go to work. After breakfast it was off to the Hairdressers for Z'Arn to have a long overdue haircut. After waiting 40 minutes it was his turn and the hairdresser Fiona was told to give him a cut as if Z'Arn was her son - what a lot of hair that was left on the floor and what a great look she gave him - Z'Arn was very pleased with his new look. The kiddos though were most concerned though as Ted had parked in a 10 minute area but thankfully no Policemen came along.
After the haircut it was off to Santa's Forest - sadly the best trees had been taken and we had to have one that looked good on 3 sides only.
It was back home for a round of golf and a late lunch and as the day then turned cold (well very cold for Singaporeans) it became an inside day. The kiddos have lots to play with (Denise has kept a lot of Trent and Shaun's games).
When Denise got home from work the kiddos helped Denise make dinner - Z'Arn ripped the lettuce and cut up the cucumber and celery and shelled the egg and Tierlina peeled the carrot and also shelled an egg - what a great looking salad it was. Denise cooked Maple Syrup covered pork medallions.
After dinner Denise and the kiddos went for a walk and run around Church Road Winery and then walked the block home - it was freezing said the kiddos - "do you think it will snow"? We decided it was snowing in London, Scotland, America and Canada but not going to in Napier.
After a very quick shower it was into bed but no story tonight as it was too late. We did have an in depth conversation though about "Spirit".
The kiddos received 2 courier parcels today - 1 from Trish - this was opened and there were 2 beautifully made aprons which were used when making dinner and a parcel from GG but this will be kept and put under the tree and also a card from Raewyn and $10 to spend. We talked tonight about buying 2 gifts and donating them to children who will not have a happy xmas as their parents do not have money to buy them presents - we will discuss this further.
Thursday 16th December Another cold and sometimes wet day. This was a Poppa day again as Denise had to work and as we are coming up to xmas and closing the office it is a very busy time.
Before it rained this morning poppa mowed the lawns and while he was doing this the kiddos would check on him from time to time. After the lawns it was down to Hardinge Road and the playground - they found the Monkey Bars too high to manage. All was going well until Tierlina got her leg in the way of the see saw and she cried and wanted her mummy - however Poppa had to do!! It became very windy and cooler so time to move on. It was then off to the ducks - Z'Arn thought it was safer to stay in the confines of the car but Tierlina did brave the ducks for a little bit but as they came rushing for a feed she tried to hide in between Poppas legs!!
It was then home for lunch and Poppas favourite sandwiches - ham and cheese. As the weather deteriorated it was an inside afternoon. When Nise got home from work we went down to the supermarket for pizza toppings and then came home and all made them - Z'Arn with tomato paste, ham, cheese and pineapple and Tierlina's was the same but had pepperoni - not as good as the ones made in Singapore but we all enjoyed!! Apparently you have more filling and thicker bases.
After dinner we made a card and tomorrow the kiddos are going to make some more - Dawn gave them bits and pieces to glue on and at the supermarket tonight we bought some PVA glue and also have double sided tape.
Graeme has just phoned and he, Meredith, Marcus and Jessica are coming up from Wellington for the day on Saturday - they will arrive about 10 o'clock. Not sure about Jake the dog that is also coming!!
Kiddos late to bed tonight - just had their medicine, vicks on their chests and hankies. Goodnight.
Friday 17th December Awoke today to rain so this stopped outside activities. The kiddos went through the toys in the window seat for something new while Ted vacuumed.
At lunch time there was a major disaster - as Tierlina was eating her tooth became loose - Ted thought he was going to have to call for an ambulance to deal with the dribble of blood and the pain!!!! It has been of a major concern to her and I wouldn't be surprised if she returns to Singapore with a gap. I told them how we pulled teeth - tied cotton to it and around the door handle and then closed the door - that had their faces screwed up!! Talking teeth I have an appointment for them both on Tuesday with a Dental Therapist.
After lunch the sun came out so it was outside for a game of cricket. I played when I got home from work and their bat, ball, eye co-ordination is very good and Z'Arn is a good catcher of the ball. As we were playing we had a visitor - Laurie called and gave us some cherries - the kiddos were right into these. He then produced his car and helicopter remote vehicles - had fun until the battery was drained. It was a scrap tea tonight - pizza and poached eggs - Laurie joined them.
They also had another visitor this afternoon - Shaun called. He talked to Ted while the kiddos were making their cards - what a great job they did. Z'Arn tells me he took a photo of Shaun.
They watched some TV - people trying to beat the Cube and then it was off to bed.
I meant to say the other day my boss Geoff said something to Z'Arn about Paul McCartney but then said "you wouldn't know him." "Yes I do" said Z'Arn he was in the Beatles. "How did you know that" said Geoff. I liked his song "the Pipes of Peace" Smart little cookie!! I had to google the song as I didn't know it.
He has also told me the story about Father Xmas and The Tooth Fairy - will leave this for another night. We have Graeme, Meredith, Marcus, Jessica and Jake the dog arriving for the day tomorrow and I have done nothing in preparation.
Saturday 18th December Another day of mixed weather - not cold but did not know when the showers were going to hit. Up and running early but as Graeme and family were not here by 10.45am we walked to the Taradale Library and as we were choosing our books Meredith phoned to say they were on the corner of Church Road and White Street - they had walked down to meet us. We did a round trip and walked home via Avondale Road. On our walk they spotted the cactus letterbox and both remembered it and also had the Taradale Clock chime as we walked past.
Z'Arn remembered both Marcus and Jessica - what great kids - like yours a credit to their parents. As we walked home they naturally paired off - the boys and the girls. They all played cricket with the intervention of Ted and Graeme and Jake the dog and after lunch we went up to the Parade pools. Arrived at the pools to find the bag with dry clothes, towels etc. had been left at home - borrowed a towel from Meredith and made do. I used Graeme's camera and took lots of photos. Gareth and family also arrived and Gareth was like a magnet to the children - just as well the pool wasn't deep or he would have sunk with the weight of them!! Kristi mentioned to me about Gareth calling her from KL and enjoying a thunder storm and about 20 minutes later we had one - those in the pool loved it and I scattered to keep the clothes dry.
Once home the kiddos showered and I organised dinner - BBQ, chicken pie and salad followed by strawberries and ice-cream and a hot chocolate with frothy milk. Graeme and family left about 9pm - they will all be tired tomorrow but so appreciated them making the huge effort to come to Napier for the day.
It was then time for the kiddos to get to bed have a little read of their library books - Z'Arn is very keen to get into the book he chose on World War 2 - he is so like you Trent just wanting to soak up information. Z'Arn this is for you to read when you are 21. You have such a bugga nose and you said when you were little you used to think dry bugga was better than moist!! With that statement I was nearly sick!!
Tomorrow we have a treat - the kiddos do not know about it yet - pancakes at Gareth and Kristi's place - we are taking the strawberries and Canada Maple Syrup - this is the real syrup all the way from Canada.
Tierlina is having to eat very carefully with her lose tooth - the new tooth is coming behind the baby one - hope she doesn't have a reverse bite like Z'Arn as will keep you poor with both needing braces - you will have to visit Thailand??
Sunday 19th December Today we went to the Lampitt's at 9.30am and had pancakes for breakfast. We had maple syrup, cream and berries to put on them and all the kiddos made 1 for themselves. They also made a berry smoothie - our 2 not that fond of this. While Kristi and I cleaned up Gareth took the 4 kiddos over to the school playground but came back after Marshall bit his tongue. We decided at this point the weather looked okay and so went out to Kaeranga Gardens where the kiddos had 6 train rides each and lunch before it rained. From here we went to the Strawberry patch for fruit ice-cream - they were really too big for us all.
We said good-bye to the Lampitt's and thanked them for a great day and we went out onto State Highway 2 by the Lime Works to Kim's place for the train set for the xmas tree and some warmer clothes of Tracey's for Tierlina. They had a Labrador black dog called Tess and lots of chooks - we patted one and it did a big sh..!! We were home by 5.15pm - a very long and fun day.
Monday 20th December Denise had her hair cut at 9.00am at Taradale and Tierlina went with her. While at the hairdressers the power went off and did not come on for 2 hours - even Vodafone had no signal - this meant no blow dry and Denise could not pay as the ATM's were not working and neither was EftPos - oh dear!! Kristi had sent a text about going to the movies but we could not reply as we had no phone.
After lunch we climbed Sugar Loaf - it was a long way and we had to dodge the sheep poo!!! We went up one way and came back another. We were going to have Fish & Chips on the beach with Barb & Kerry but it was wet and windy so decided to leave until Tuesday. Instead we made mince pies - very yummy!!
Tuesday 21st December Today we had to be at the Dental Therapist in town for appointments at 9.15am. Z'Arn was first in the chair with Kate and she said there was not room for his eye teeth at this time and also mentioned his reverse bite that would need attention when a little older. His teeth were very clean but said until children were about 8 there should always be adult intervention with teeth cleaning as they often could not manage the cleaning of their back teeth satisfactorily. Tierlina also got a good report and as she had a very wiggily wobbily tooth at the bottom Kate said "would you like me to pull it out Tierlina". This did put a frown on Tierlina's face!! I said "would it hurt less than tying a piece of cotton to the tooth and to a door handle and opening the door?" With this comment she put some numbing gel on the gums and hey presto it was out!! Tierlina did not even feel it and Kate said to make sure she did not put her finger in the gap. They were given stickers and a new toothbrush.
We then went into town looking for a tooth fairy box and found a lovely one that is to be used by everyone. We had a fluffy at a Cafe and bought Sushi for lunch and Denise did about 20 minutes at work and then it was home again. We went for a walk to Colin and Val's and met their son Dean and his daughter Talia who are visiting from Sydney.
Wednesday 22nd December Denise had to work today so we went with Poppa to pick up the Xmas tree from Santa's Forest and helped pick up leaves while Poppa mowed the lawns. We also played some cricket and petanque. When Nise got home we put the tree up and then went to the beach for Fish & Chips with Barb & Kerry. While Nise and Barb walked to the shops the kiddos played at the Hardinge Road play area - it is well designed and part of the area has been donated by Rotary. Z'Arn started to eat some fish and then saw some silver (where the skin has been attached to the flesh) and that was it. We will try again with Nise doing it herself. It started to rain so we pulled our rugs under a tree and thankfully it didn't last long. The seagulls or sea-eagles as Z'Arn kept saying were given the bread and typically liked to push the boundaries as scavengers do!! The kiddos then walked along the old sea wall and were having so much fun that Ted and I left so that I could get home for a conference call with Singapore.
Thursday 23rd December Today was our trip out to Cape Kidnappers on the tractor to see the Gannets. We had to be at Clifton by 11.15am so made lunch, made sure we had warm clothing and extra clothing in case we got wet, had sunblock, sun hats and water and off we went. While we waited for the tractors we played on the beach and at the waters edge. We made a cairn of stones and then threw stones and had a competition to see who could hit it. There were 2 tractors and both had 2 trailers attached and the drivers made sure we got lots of bumps along the way and also took us through the water. They also stopped often and gave history on the area and the cliffs which are detailed in layers and have been eroded by the wind, water and the coastal weather. The coastal cliffs change daily with the sandstone, siltstone, volcanic ash and possible fossils from which they are made from and sure are an impressive site as you travel along the beach. Once we had reached the end we walked up to the DOC (Department of Conservation) shelter for lunch before heading up the hill to the Gannet colony. There were hundreds of nesting birds and as they stay in the 1 place for some months it was very smelly!! We did see the very fluffy babies under their mothers. It was then back down the hill for the return journey and we had to be at the tractors by 2.15pm so that we could get back along the beach while the tide was out. What a fun day. Once back at Clifton we collected some flat rocks and we want to paint pictures on these.
We then decorated the xmas tree, put out the presents and put Kim's train up inside - very pretty. We had tea - vegies and corned beef and both kiddos said "we are still hungry"!! After a shower and hair wash they had a bowl of 2 minute noodles and a hot milk chocolate and into bed. Z'Arn said at the table tonight that we travelled 2 kilmoetres each way just to see some smelly pooey birds!!! So adventurous!!!
Friday 24th December Today we had to get organised for Xmas Day. This meant another trip to the supermarket and to buy fresh vegies. We called on Ron & Allsion - a couple in their 80's - Ron used to tramp and Allsion had knitted 3 teddies on her knitting machine. Nise also had to call into work to fax a document and then realised it was nearly 12 o'clock so raced home not having finished the town chores so that we could skype Trent. Trent however had forgotten and by the time he was available it was nearly 2pm - we could have finished our jobs in town. We had to be at Kerry's at 3pm and then went to MU (Manchester Unity ) in Taradale to pick Barb up and we went to the airport as they were off to Melbourne to stay with Corinna and Marnie. We stayed for a while but then left to go to the Warehouse looking for more tinsel - there was none left and then we went to Pak n Save and went through the self checkout but had a few problems with little hands on the weighing area and with big queues we were glad to get out of there.
Tonight was exciting as this was the last sleep before father Xmas called. After showers we put out our xmas bags and hoped that Santa would call. Z'Arn hung his on the door handle and Tierlina had hers hanging from the bedside cabinet. Z'Arn wasn't going to go to sleep because he wanted to see if Santa was real or just Nise and Poppa!!! Of course he succumbed to sleep.
Today the kiddos said "Nise you did not born Trent did you." No he was adopted I said. "Did you not have any eggs?" Yes I did was my answer. "Did you not have sex?" Yes I did was my answer. Goodness me where were these questions going to stop? But as it happened that was about it!!!
Saturday 25th December - Xmas Day How exciting Santa did call. Both kiddos came into Nise and Poppa's bed - just like Trent and Shaun used to do and opened 1 gift at a time. Then it was into the shower as Z'Arn had let the excitement get to him and his willy had not woken him up in time to get to the loo. This added to the mornings activities as everything on the bed had to be washed. Once out in the dining room there were gifts from Ted and Nise but it was breakfast first - both kiddos got their aprons that Trish made on very quickly and up to the bench to help. Today it was an omlette with bacon, mushrooms, peppers and parsley in the middle. We gave Poppa some in bed and put this on a tray for him. Then the kiddos could open one present at a time in between Nise doing one job at a time like cleaning the bathroom and toilets, hanging the washing, organising lunch and making beds. The kiddos just loved opening their gifts and then playing with them.
Lunch was at 1pm when Shaun arrived - ham, new potatoes, salad made with lettuce and herbs from the garden, beetroot and peas that Tierlina and Z'Arn shelled. Dessert was strawberries and Nise's Hokey Pokey Ice-cream. In the afternoon Nise, Z'Arn and Tierlina went to the cemetery to see Nana and Grandad - we took 2 roses from the garden for them, Terresa McCormack - a 6 year old girl who had been murdered, Tony Hood - Nise's friend Sue's dad but her name was Susan on the headstone and she was the eldest of 10 children, Mr and Mrs Dowrick - Nise's friend Margaret's parents and then Amy O'Hagan Trish's mum. After the cemetery we went to the Rose Garden. We liked the yellow roses best but Tierlina liked one called Lina - it was the name she liked not necessarily the colour. By the time we got home it was nearly eating time again. This time we made pizzas -tomato base, ham, pineapple, capsicum, olives and cheese very yummy.
By the time the day ended everyone was tired but then Nise's Laptop decided not to work so by the time Trent helped her to get it going it was nearly the next day.
Sunday 26th December - Boxing Day Today we went out to Waimarama to Uncle Grahame's and Aunty Margot's beach place. We had taken food for lunch as we arrived late morning. We all made our own bread rolls with ham, tomatoes, lettuce and cucumber. Laurie and Warren were also there. After lunch Colin arrived with Stacy, Regan and Machala and we all had lots of fun with Laurie's remote helicopters. Laurie also brought out his biggest helicopter and he controlled it for a test but during this flight he was on one side of the tree and the helicopter on the other and the kiddos who had climbed the tree could see the helicopter was going to crash into one of the branches and when it landed one of the blades was missing. He also thought it was missing a pin but that turned out to be incorrect. We all went hunting and it was Colin who found the missing piece. We all then went down to the beach and all the kiddos and Laurie had a swim - Tierlina and Z'Arn came out of the water freezing so lay in the hot sand to warm up. They also had a go with the boogy boards as the waves were not big. It was then back to the house and then Laurie on his 4 wheeled motor bike and Colin in his ute drove along the beach to the North Point - it was on sand and rocks that made the trip very bumpy. Colin was looking for clear water so that he could go diving for paua but it was not to be so we all had a go in the kayaks - it was fun but the rocks were so muddy and slippery it was hard to stand up. Regan put on a wet suit and spent time under water and Stacy had a snorkel and goggles. Most of us went home wet - not good with Z'Arn's continual green running nose!!! It was then eating time again - BBQ with salad and pavalova and boysenberries and ice-cream.
Grahame has just had his second trip to Wellington Hospital and now had a 2nd stent put in - this procedure was less invasive on his body and although he didn't do anything with us he is feeling much better about things.Another Laurie's helicopters being operated at the time by Stacy but with all kiddos in attendance the wind took over when they tried to make it land and it disappeared toward the roof and the big pohutakawha trees. It then became a very serious scavenger hunt for the missing helicopter and it was looking like it was lost for good when Regan climbed high into one of the trees and found it thankfully - we were all very relieved. By the time we left to come home it was after 8pm and Tierlina soon fell asleep and Z'Arn was close to it by the time we got home so it was toilet, wash face and hands and clean teeth and into bed -they were asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow!!
The end of another fun day. The kiddos said coming home that NZ was much better fun than Singapore as there was more nature and things to do rather than just cities!!
Monday 27th December After our big day at Waimarama yesterday we all felt a bit jaded this morning. The kiddos asked if they could have breakfast in Poppa's bed as they had got up and made their own - Tierlina showed Z'Arn how you pull from the top to get all the wrinkles out!! With this decision Poppa decided to get up and leave the kiddos to it and Nise made the breakfast - croissants with bacon and egg and toasted in the toastie machine - went down well.
As it was such a nice day Nise phoned Warren - the neighbour with the apricot tree (more on this later) to see if he wanted to go to the pond and kayak. This we did leaving at 10.10am. The boys in one kayak and the girls in the other. We all went very well and as it was high tide there was plenty of water. Warren kept on asking "how's it going Captain" and with this Tierlina would raise her hat and say "okay". The boys went under the bridge into the iron pot area where the yachts are moored but with the strong current the girls started the manoeuvre but pulled out so the boys came back also and we went down the other end of the estuary and went under the old bridge and the new motorway one. Tierlina was the lookout person for all the weed on the way back and we pulled into shore with one minute of our hour to go - so good timing!! We all had wet b..s and it was hard for the oldies to extricate themselves from the kayaks - it was a long way up!! We had to take the paddles and life jackets back up to the grass area and the kiddos decided to have a paddle before getting changed. It was back home in time for lunch - fruit (apricots, banana and apple) and a sandwich.
On the Sunday we had gone to Warren and Raewyn's - the neighbours and they let us pick an apricot off their tree - much more yummy than the bought ones. We also picked a courgette and had this in our stir fry for dinner tonight. The kiddos cut up most of the vegetables - onions, mushrooms, celery, broccoli, cauliflour, carrots, asparagus, spring onion and silverbeet out of the garden. This they enjoyed eating - Poppa thought it was rather average - too healthy for him!!! Raewyn and Warren are the people who have the boy who pees on the stones in their garden!!!!
The ballet practice was wrought with issues today - Z'Arn became very upset about him being the only boy and so many girls and the different teachers who now get him to do things the girls way rather than the boys? He doesn't like doing it and my opinion is I don't believe it is good for him as he spends a lot of time with girls and ballet although creating good posture technique and strength if you are passionate about it is making him very insecure and soft and he should be encouraged to do something boyish and with other boys.
As Z'Arn was upset he stayed with Ted and Tierlina and Nise went to Barb and Kerry's to water their garden and we also stopped at the Supermarket for bread and milk - boy are we getting through the milk!!!! The kiddos love their milkshakes and hot milk drinks made with the frother if one can be bothered pushing it up and down.
The temperature in Napier today was 32 degrees - very very hot and windy. We are not sure if our xmas tree will survive the wind tonight!! The windmill keeps blowing over and some of the chimes hanging on it have broken as they were glass. We have not picked a tomato yet as the birds keep beating us - we will have to buy mesh and cover them.
Tuesday 28th December Today was very windy and once again over night the xmas tree had fallen so we decided that was it we would remove all the decorations and dispose of the tree. Mind you once xmas day has been the tree does not have the same meaning. This morning was also the time for chalk drawing and hop scotch designing on the driveway. After lunch we decorated 4 balloons and went to the cemetery to let them fly free - this was done by Nana and Grandad and Tony Hood and Teresa McCormick. Mind you at this time the wind decided to drop and the balloons took off into the forest rather than up into the air and also the sky was getting darker and darker and we had to run back to the car in the rain.
On our way into town we stopped on the motorway and watched bales of hay being wrapped. A machine picked up the bale then flipped onto the middle and it went round and around and around until the whole bale was well wrapped in green that stuck like gladwrap. As it flipped it off the wrapping was cut and the whole process started over again. 2 fields of grass had been cut and there are now many wrapped bales that will be used when there is no other feed available.
We went up town to Trainworld. As it was $10 for adults to get in Nise left us to look by ourselves and when she came back we were not ready to leave so she left us for another 20 minutes and we left just before closing time at 3.30pm. it was then too late to go to Opposum World so this is still on the list for another day. We then went and had a look at the shop called "Dogs Breakfast" and had a drink at McCafe (no crap food though said Z'Arn!! Z'Arn had a fluffy, Nise a Frappes and Tierlina a Mango smoothie.
By the time we got home the rain had washed the chalk drawings off the driveway. Dinner tonight was chicken, potatoes, asparagus, peas, carrots and corn - the kiddos ate it all up and then said "Nise we are hungry." They then had some crackers and hummus.
As Nise had a conference call at 8pm Poppa organised the showers and into bed.
Wednesday 29th December Today the boys and girls did their own thing. Z'Arn and Poppa went to golf and played 9 holes and Tierlina and Nise went into town to St beads to make some bracelets. Tierlina made 1 for herself, 1 for Carmelyn and 1 for Shinee. It took longer to choose the beads than it did to make them. Due to the Wii sport Z'Arn plays he knows all the terminology for golf and most of the course etiquette - forgot that you can not pull the trundler onto the green though!!
The girls were home by 1pm and as the boys had not arrived home by 2.45pm Tierlina and Nise left for Westshore and Noleen's place to take Lucy the Fox Terrier for a walk on the beach and to play throw and fetch with a golf ball. All was going well until another dog bounded up and with this Tierlina bounded up rocks and cried MaMa, MaMa - it then took awhile to be comfortable around Lucy again. Lucy did lots of licking - yuk!!! When we got home Z'Arn was most upset as all he had done was caddie!! We will visit Noleen another day.
Thursday 30th December This Diary is now being completed on 22nd January 2011 so the memory may not be accurate. Nise had to work today so it was a Poppa day. When Nise got home from work Z'Arn, Tierlina and Poppa were trying to fly a kite but without success. John Gray -Johnny with 2 fingers missing called in and he was going to bring his grandchildren but they had been naughty and gone home.
Friday 31st December Another work day for Nise and as it was New Years Eve we had dinner and then Z'Arn and Tierlina had an early night as we were going up onto the Parade for the celebrations at midnight. Colin and Val called in that evening for a catchup and at 11.05pm Nise woke the kiddos up and we were off into town - not Poppa though. We parked in Nise's work carpark and walked up to the Parade - it was a nice evening. We ended up on the beach with Gary, Sue and their friends and were right by the fireworks display - it was pretty but noisy. John Rowles was the guest artist at the Soundshell. We were home by 2am so not a lot of the night was left.
Saturday 1st January Today was a wet day so was an inside day and we all had to entertain ourselves. We did play some board games and if Tierlina didn't appear to be winning she would hold both hands up in the I surrender position and say "I failed" It really was quite funny but would carry on and would be so happy if she wasn't last. Remember Tierlina the fun is playing and if you win that is a bonus.
Sunday 2nd January Today was a Poppa mystery trip for the kiddos - Nise did not go as she stayed at home to catch up on house cleaning. They spent time around by the Iron Pot and watched people fishing and then went up onto the Parade and had a game of Putt Putt. This was not the fun game Tierlina thought it would be and basically gave up after the 2nd hole leaving Ted to have an occasional hit with Z'Arn.
Monday 3rd January Today the kiddos and Nise went over to Hastings and did the Amazing Maze - this was in a paddock of maize. It was fun but very very hot but the kiddos managed to find their way out without too much back tracking. Thee were other things to do - walking on stilts(Nise could still do this), rolling over big wooden reels (Z'Arn gave his a knee a grass burn when he fell off), walking with 3 people who had their feet hooked into ski type things, snakes and ladders and swing ball etc. On our way back to Napier we managed to find a Cafe open as we hadn't taken lunch with us, only nibbles. Once back in Napier and as it was so hot we went to the Onekawa Pools - most of the kiddos time was spent on the big slide.
Tuesday 4th January At 9.20am Gareth phoned to say come and join them at Splash Planet in Hastings. They were meeting friends there at 10.30 so what a rush getting everything together - togs, towels, lunch, drink, sunblock, sunhats etc. plus Colin and Val had a card that allowed us slightly cheaper entry - still cost $36 for the 3 of us though. We arrived to a huge queue - I am sure everyone in Napier and Hastings was going to be there on this day but once inside you didn't feel like you were tripping over people but you certainly had a long queue if you wanted to ride the slides. Nise did this once but the kiddos did it several times along with a train ride, kayaks, flying fox and around and around in the lazy river. We all loved the day but sadly Nise forgot to put sunblock on her back and that got sunburnt - shows sunblock works as I had it on other exposed areas. After a fun day and a long day we left and went to Rush Munroes for an ice-cream - Nise should not have got one for herself as had to spend a lot of energy helping the kiddos lick theirs as they could not keep up with the drips in the heat!!! We did not get home until 5pm and wasn't long after this Johnny (2 fingers missing) called with a gift for the 3 kiddos - 2 purses and a keyring - all from his time in Thailand.
Wednesday 5th January Nise had to work today so was a Poppa day plus a tidy up day to get all things together for the trip back to Singapore. They also had one last trip to the Onekawa Pools and riding the slide. It was a sad day for Nise when she got home and had to start getting all the kiddos things together - passports, tickets, camera and cord plus presents, clothes etc.
Thursday 6th January Trip to Auckland via Whakatane and Te Aroha. We were an hour late leaving so had to phone Sylvia from Waiotapu (I think) to say we would not be there by 1.30 as I had indicated by phone but would arrive around 3.00pm. We drove into Whakatane and Ted said where to from here but all I had was an address and no map. I asked at an Osteopath and she said "just around the corner" - someone was looking after me. The kiddos had a good catchup with GG and Ben and Gran and Gramps - it was a pity Ted and I couldn't just leave them to it but I know they appreciated the effort we made to get them to Whakatane.
We were on our way again by 5pm and it was up to Tauranga and over the Kaimais to Te Aroha to see Great Grandma and Raewyn, Tracy, Scott and Sienna. Great Grandma was still in the Dining Room and the kiddos walked in and she was so excited to see them. We had posted her a Dinosaur sticker book and she had this in her basket on the walker and the kiddos said "Great Grandma have you started your sticker book (no she hadn't) and so they said we will start it for you". After leaving the Home we went up to Burgess Street and the kiddos had a good run around with Sienna and Scott before we had to head off again. Sienna loved her fairy wings.
We stopped at Ngatea as the Subway shop was open and we knew we wouldn't be going through any other towns on our way to Auckland - it would eventually be motorway all the way. it was late and we were all ready for something to eat so sat in the car and ate. Nise drove to Auckland and we arrived at the Hotel at 10.30pm and once again had lady luck on my shoulder as we found our accommodation without a map and without having to ask the way. Z'Arn tried to stay awake to look for the aeroplane signs as we knew our Hotel was in the vicinity of the Airport but could not make it - his legs were tired from doing nothing he said!!!
Tierlina and Nise sorted out our room for the night and one of the guests kept saying to Tierlina "you are so beautiful!!!" John and Dawn had called at the Hotel and left the kiddos a parcel - so nice of them. Z'Arn could not wake up so Ted carried him to the room, tried to get him to use the toilet but no it was not to be. We all had a shower (apart from Z'Arn) and were in bed by midnight - the girls slept together and the boys did to.
Friday 7th January The kiddos had a bath to wake them up and then it was downstairs for a good choice of breakfast cereals and toast and muffins and yoghurt and caught the shuttle at 10.30am.
We checked in without a wait and the girl said to the kiddos "I have been expecting you." "How did you know we were coming they said" and she replied "I am magic." Nise then had to go to another counter and fill out many forms and we had to be back there at 12pm. Meanwhile Alan Billington called at the Airport to see us all which was so good of him - going to Auckland Airport is not like going to Napier Airport - the cost of parking is just one thing. Z'Arn was throwing Poppa Ted around and it went up into a tree inside and Ted had to climb on a chair to retrieve it - after this it was into his backpack. When Nise said it may be lost he was most upset. (GG was shown her well travelled bear that she knitted). We were back at the counter at 12pm but the girl did not come for the kiddos until 12.30pm. We all went upstairs and said our goodbyes - Tierlina raised her hands and said to Poppa you can now say "yeah"!!! and then said "Nise you can wipe your tears". Nise went to take a photo as they walked through the departure gates but they were too quick and Ted said they did it without a backward glance.
We had a fun month - tiring but fun but now it was over and it was the return journey home. We did this via John's and a stop in Tirau for a very late lunch and home by 9pm and had done 1050 kilometres - wow a lot of driving.
A few things I have remembered
Z'Arn had an obsession with the petrol gauge - once it got to half we had to stop and fill up. Actually one would think he did a lot of car driving as he was a concerned backseat passenger. Just some of the things I remember - put 2 hands on the wheel - are you tired - have we got airbags in the back.
Z'Arn does not like creepy crawly things and certainly does not appreciate one trying to prove a point - they do not bite!!
Tierlina will give most things a go - full of life.
If TV is on and Tierlina and Z'Arn are watching they are in their own world - do not hear you at all.
Z'Arn was funny with meals as he would rate them according to UK Master Chef - Nise this is not crisp enough on the outside or you have added too much wine or did you taste as you prepared or you have not added enough salt etc. etc. We all liked watching this programme - it was after dinner and time for a quick relax.
Tierlina as I have already said if she wasn't winning would raise her hands in the air in the I surrender position and say "I failed".
Had lots of little flies visit us and the kiddos were happy to be on the warpath with the fly swat.
As I have already said Z'Arn said his legs were tired from not walking when we were in the car for most of Thursday travelling to Auckland.
Tierlina liked to put cream on my sunburnt back - this was not a job Ted did with enthusiasm after the kiddos left.
Fish - Z'Arn did not want to go there - had 1 mouthful only - mind you he did not gag on it.
McCafe for drinks only - no crap food says Z'Arn.
Once Z'Arn is asleep he cannot be woken.
Tierlina was looking out the car window with a sad face and I asked what is the matter - she said NZ has lots of nature and Singapore only has cities!!
Had to laugh at the expression of the lady who accompanied them to NZ - she was fierce, old and probably Moroccan. I did ask when I checked them in and they said it is definitely staff who keeps an eye on them.
Both kiddos always wanted to help with preparing meals - they would put their lovely aprons on that Trish made them and get stuck in.
Tierlina said I cannot marry Z'Arn but he can be my best friend - that is so lovely.
When we travelled Z'Arn in particular had 100 questions - no it was probably 1000. It was very quiet on the way home as Ted probably only said about 50 words!!!
As we travelled we played several games - guess the colour of the next car - which way is the road going to bend - I spy.
Z'Arn said Nise you did not have a baby - have you not got any eggs - yes I did have - well did you not have sex - yes I did but I still didn't have any babies - this was the end of the questioning and he went onto something else - all very interesting.
Z'Arn said to Bev and Charlie is Trent the eldest - yes - you had Trent before you were married - yes says Bev. Z'Arn certainly needs to work everything out in his own mind.
Geoff - my boss said but of course you will not know who the Beatles are - yes said Z'Arn Paul McCartney - I like his Pipes of Peace.
I had a tear in my eye when the kiddos left - did they - I don't think so they just adapt to where they are at the time.
The phone - neither was interested in chatting to home really so now I know why I never get to speak to them in Singapore.
A wonderful month - still lots of things to do on the **to do list your turn next time Carmelyn**
